Why Antigua? A Balanced Look for the Modern Nomad
Before you book your flight, it's crucial to understand what Antigua offers and where it falls short. It's a city of trade-offs, perfectly suited for some nomads and less so for others.
The Advantages of Antigua
Inspirational Atmosphere: Working amidst cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and historic ruins with volcano views is a unique motivator.
Thriving Community: Antigua has a well-established and growing expat and digital nomad scene, making it incredibly easy to network, make friends, and find your tribe.
Walkability: The city is compact and almost entirely walkable. You can get from one end to the other in about 20 minutes, saving you time and money on transport.
Endless Activities: From hiking active volcanoes and touring world-class coffee farms to exploring a dynamic food scene, you'll never be bored on the weekends.
Perfect Weather: The dry season (November to May) offers what many describe as 'perfect' weather, with average temperatures around 72°F/22°C and plenty of sunshine.
Key Considerations & Challenges
Internet Speeds: While functional, the Wi-Fi isn't lightning-fast. The average speed hovers around 20 Mbps. If your business relies on heavy uploads or constant high-speed video calls, this could be a bottleneck.
Cost of Living: Antigua is not a budget destination. It's a mid-range city, with accommodation being the most significant expense. Don't expect Southeast Asian prices.
Noise Levels: The city center can be noisy due to traffic from tuk-tuks, motorcycles, and cars on cobblestone streets. Light sleepers may want to seek accommodation on the quieter outskirts.
Value for Housing: Rentals are often simple and functional rather than modern or luxurious. Finding a villa with a pool at a low price is highly unlikely.
Getting There & Getting Connected
Your journey to Antigua will begin at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. From there, you have several options for the 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Antigua.
Uber: The most convenient and often cost-effective choice, typically costing around $25-35 USD.
Shared Shuttle: A budget-friendly option where you share a van with other travelers. You can book these in advance or upon arrival.
Private Taxi: The most expensive option, but readily available at the airport.
SIM Cards & Data Plans
Staying connected is simple. The two main providers are Tigo and Claro, with Tigo generally offering better coverage. You can buy a SIM card at any small convenience store (tienda) or an official provider store.
Tigo (Recommended): A SIM card costs about 50Q ($6.50 USD). A 30-day plan with 8-10GB of data and unlimited social media costs an additional 99Q ($13 USD), for a total of around $19.50 USD.
Claro: The SIM chip is often free. A 30-day plan with 15GB of data costs 199Q ($26 USD).
Cost of Living in Antigua: A Sample Monthly Budget
Antigua is a mid-range destination. Here is a sample monthly budget for two people to give you a realistic idea of expenses. Your costs may vary based on your lifestyle.
Accommodation (1-BR Apartment): $850 - $1,000 USD
Groceries: $275 USD
Dining Out: $580 USD
Transport (mostly Uber): $70 USD
Phone Plans (2 people): $40 USD
Activities & Entertainment: $70 USD
Gym Membership: $50 USD
Travel Insurance: $85 USD
Total Estimated Monthly Cost (for 2 people): ~$2,000 - $2,200 USD
Note: You can reduce costs significantly by cooking more meals at home and securing a long-term rental deal.
ATMs and Payments
While many restaurants and shops accept credit cards, cash is king at local markets, small eateries (like the famous Rincon Tipico), and for tuk-tuks. Always have at least 300Q (~$40 USD) on hand. The most reliable ATMs for foreign cards are the 5B Cajeros, which have a withdrawal limit of 2,000Q (~$260 USD) and a fee of 15Q (~$2 USD).
Setting Up Your Base: Accommodation & Workspaces
Where to Stay in Antigua
Antigua is small, so almost anywhere is a good location. The main trade-off is noise vs. convenience.
Center: Close to the main plaza and all the action, but can be the noisiest.
North/East: A great balance with top-tier restaurants and a slightly quieter vibe, yet still only a 5-10 minute walk to the center. Highly recommended.
South/West: Generally quieter and can offer more affordable rentals, but you'll have a slightly longer walk (15-20 minutes) to the main hub.
Finding Monthly Rentals
Facebook Groups: The best way to find local deals. Join groups like "Apartments for rent in Antigua Guatemala" and "Expats Living in Guatemala" 1-2 months before your arrival. This method offers the lowest prices but less security.
Airbnb: The most secure option, especially for your first month. You can find deals on longer stays, but prices will be higher than local listings.
Coworking Spaces & Cafes
Your productivity hub is a critical choice. Antigua has a few solid options.
El Cubo Center (Recommended): Located in nearby Ciudad Vieja (a 15-minute Uber or free shuttle ride), this modern space offers quiet zones and the fastest Wi-Fi in the area at ~80 Mbps. A monthly pass is around $160 USD.
Impact Hub Antigua: Centrally located and more affordable at $110 USD/month. However, it can be noisy and the Wi-Fi is often slower, around 20 Mbps.
Work-Friendly Cafes: For a more casual setting, try Artista de Cafe, La Vid Coffee Roasters, or the beautiful Cafe Boheme. All offer decent Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Lifestyle & Leisure in Antigua
Antigua’s real magic lies in its lifestyle. The city is a hub for adventure and culture.
Top Things to Do:
Hike Volcán Acatenango: An unforgettable overnight trek to watch the neighboring Fuego volcano erupt.
Roast Marshmallows on Pacaya: An easier, half-day hike on an active volcano.
Weekend at Lake Atitlan: Take a shared shuttle to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Tour a Coffee Farm: Learn about the process behind Guatemala's world-famous coffee.
Explore the Food Scene: From cheap and delicious Guatemalan food at Rincon Tipico to upscale international cuisine at Cerveceria 14, the options are endless.
Is Antigua, Guatemala Safe?
Yes, Antigua is considered very safe for digital nomads and travelers. Like anywhere, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, but most remote workers feel comfortable walking around and working with their laptops in public cafes. The primary area of caution in Guatemala is typically Guatemala City, which most visitors only transit through from the airport.
